e Lord out of a pure heart. (23)But
foolish and uninstructive disputes avoid, knowing that they produce
quarrels. (24)And a servant of the Lord ought not to quarrel; but to be
gentle to all men, apt to teach, forbearing, (25)with meekness
correcting those who are opposers, if at last God may give unto them
repentance so as to submit to the conviction of the truth; (26)and that
they may escape out of the snare of the devil, who have been captured
by him for his will.

CHAP. III.

BUT this know, that in the last days distressing times will come.
(2)For men will be self-lovers, money-lovers, boasters, vainglorious,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3)unnatural,
implacable, slanderers, intemperate, inhuman, averse to goodness,
(4)treacherous, wilful, puffed up _with pride_, lovers of pleasure more
than lovers of God; (5)holding the form of godliness, but denying the
power of it: from these men turn with aversion. (6)For such are they
who insinuate themselves into houses, and captivate weak women laden
with accumulated sins, and actuated by a variety of passions, (7)always
learning, yet never able to attain unto the knowledge of truth. (8)But
in the same manner as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these
also set themselves in opposition to the truth; men corrupt in mind,
reprobate respecting the faith. (9)But they shall not proceed to the
uttermost; for their infatuation shall be evident to all men, as theirs
also was.

(10)But thou hast fully known my doctrine, conduct, purpose, faith,
long-suffering, love, patience, (11)the persecutions, the sufferings,
which beset me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I
endured, yet out of them all the Lord delivered me. (12)And all indeed
who will live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (13)But wicked
men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and
deceived. (14)But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and
believed, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (15)and that from a
child thou hast known the sacred writings, which are able to make thee
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ. (16)All
scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and advantageous for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
(17)that the man of God may be properly furnished, fully qualified for
every good work.

CHAP. IV.

I ADJURE thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus